Rs 34 crore raised for release of Kerala man jailed in Saudi

Kerala witnessed one of its largest crowdfunding efforts after approximately Rs 34 crore was raised for the release of a native from Kozhikode who was imprisoned in Saudi Arabia.

The initiative, kicked off by the Legal Action Committee, aimed to secure the release of Abdur Rahim, who was sentenced to death for the accidental death of a boy in Saudi Arabia. He has spent 18 years behind bars in Saudi Arabia.

Abdul Rahim, a native of Kozhikode, had travelled to Riyadh in 2006 on a house driver visa. Alongside his driving duties, he cared for a differently-abled Saudi boy.

Rahim and the boy faced an accident during one of their journeys, resulting in the accidental detachment of the life-support device attached to the child. Despite Rahim's efforts to prevent harm, the boy succumbed to the accident.

In 2018, Rahim was sentenced to death under Saudi law for the incident. However, with persistent efforts, the boy's family was informed that Rahim could be pardoned if Rs 34 crore was paid as 'blood money'.

The funds raised in India will be transferred to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh through the Ministry of External Affairs, facilitating Rahim's release.

Thanking people and the legal committee for their efforts, Rahim termed it as the "Real Kerala Story". Meanwhile, the Legal Action Committee has announced the cessation of fund collection, confirming that the target had been met and no further donations would be accepted.

To facilitate transparent fundraising, the committee launched the 'SAVEABDULRAHIM' app, through which more than Rs 30 crore was collected.

Influencers, NRIs, businessmen, and social activists spearheaded the campaign, rallying to ensure Rahim's return home after 18 years of incarceration.

Reacting to the news, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that it was a firm declaration that the state is a fortress of brotherhood that cannot be broken by communalism.

"Malayalis are raising their defence through stories of humanity and philanthropy. Rs 34 crore has been collected by Malayalis all over the world for the release of Abdul Rahim, a native of Kozhikode, who was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia. To save a human life, to wipe away the tears of a family, they created a noble example of human love," he said.

"This is a firm declaration that Kerala is a fortress of brotherhood that cannot be broken by communalism. We heartily appreciate all the goodwill that has united us for this cause which has made Kerala proud in front of the world. The role played by expatriate Malayalis behind this initiative is commendable. Let us move forward with one mind, stronger for this unity," the Chief Minister added.